We’ve been waiting for months for summer to arrive and now it’s finally here. The spring rain is slowly starting to subside and the weather keeps getting warmer and warmer. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to start spending some of my afternoons on the beach! While the ocean may look beautiful and inviting, it’s important to keep some safety pointers in mind before you dive in.

• Be aware of riptides.  You may be a fantastic swimmer but you’re no match for a riptide, which occurs when currents flow in opposite directions. The opening it leaves in the middle pushes you forcibly out to sea. If caught in one, don’t swim against it. You will only waste your energy. Instead, swim along the shoreline until you are out of it.
• Never swim alone. It’s always best to swim with a buddy or two so that if something happens, one can call for help. Always be sure that there is a lifeguard on duty, as well.
• Wear a life vest. Sure they might look a little silly, but this accessory can really save your life! It’s almost impossible to drown when properly wearing a certified vest.
• Never attempt to swim when red flags are out. These red flags mean that weather conditions are too dangerous for you to swim. If caught, you can get charged with a misdemeanor on some beaches.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen! Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Even on cloudy days, you can get a painful sunburn.

Nowadays, the media is so inundated with the antics of professional athletes and rock stars. Kids grow up thinking that they need to make big bucks and be better than everyone else in order to consider themselves successful. We need to let them know  that’s not the case! A couple of years ago, I had the honor of meeting a line worker who worked on a school bus assembly line. His job was to tighten bolt numbers 37-41. It was a menial job, but he took great pride in the work that he did. “Those bolts are the best on the bus because I tightened them,” he said to me, beaming. He then went on to explain the sense of pride he felt every time he saw a bus pass by. In his mind, the kids were safe on those busses because he made it a priority to do the best job he could.
My point in telling you this story is this: Being successful means doing your best, no matter what it is that you do. The line worker might not have had the most glamorous job, but it was important, all the same. I imagine many kids got to school safely because of the dedication that he put into his work. So teach your kids to take pride in their work, whatever they do Let them know that it doesn’t matter if they become a bricklayer or a doctor, a sandwich maker or an airline pilot… as long as they put forth their best effort in whatever they do, they will be successful!

Calling all Junior Ocean Protectors! We’re still waiting for your entry for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest! Send us in your essay and you could have a character named after you in Duckey’s next adventure AND have your name featured as a contributing writer. How cool! It’s really simple to participate so what are you waiting for? In 250 words or less, tell us:

1. Why it’s important to save the world’s oceans and environments
2. What kind of creature you would be if you were an Ocean Protector and the one special power you would have – like Kilo’s strength, Polly’s powerful puffing, and Denise’s whirlwinds.

But you need to hurry because the deadline is May 31st. So check out the details and get  writing!

With all of the disheartening talk about climate change and its negative impact on our seas, it’s reassuring to hear about one creature’s amazing ability to withstand the sea’s fluctuating temperatures. Scientists have found what they call “super reefs” off the coast of East Africa. What makes these reefs so “super”? Studies have found that this area near Tanzania experiences a higher fluctuation in currents and water temperatures than in other places. This variability in the water causes most reefs to bleach and die off. But not these super reefs. Scientists have found that these specific reefs actually sustained and grew back after a major bleaching event in 1998 that destroyed 45% of the area’s corals. It’s not completely clear why they are so resilient to the water temperature fluctuations, but their complex structures may have something to do with it.
Another reason that these beautiful creatures have adapted to the ever-changing waters is due to fishing management. Restricted commercial fishing in the area has helped sustain the fish population. Fish are critical in the survival of reefs because they eat the algae that grow on them. Without these feeder fish, the algae can suffocate the reefs. Many people don’t realize that coral reefs are one of the most endangered species in the world, which is a disastrous situation since the reefs house 25% of all marine life. While it’s sad that these creatures have to adjust to climate change, it’s wonderful that they have the special ability to adapt to their surroundings!

It’s no coincidence that every character in “Duckey and the Ocean Protectors” has their own very special talent. Polly Puffer Fish has the ability to produce strong bubbles that keep human litter at bay. Nicky Nautilus has a roomy and speedy shell that can carry her friends to their destination quickly and safely. And Denise Dolphin can create whirlpools that bind enemies together. But just as each of these characters has something at which they excel at, so, too, do each of us! However, it’s up to you, parents, to help your kids discover their own strengths! No one is going to be great at everything, but finding that one special talent can really give him or her a boost in confidence. So don’t be afraid to explore different things! Some kids excel at sports, while others would rather play a musical instrument. Some prefer painting, while some love to dance. Whatever it is, let them explore it and find out if this interest is where their “hidden” strength lies. Just like Polly, Nicky and Denise have special talents, our kids do too, and it’s up to us to make sure that they recognize them!